Courageous

Reality TV is not really real. I mean, I have no friends who've been stranded on an island or locked in a house (nor, as far as I know, has that happened to people who don't like me). In contrast, the movie, Courageous, truly reveals the reality of life. This highly entertaining film is about the struggles of fatherhood. Which of us guys hasn't struggled with the boundaries between work and home?

The story centers on a group of law enforcement officers and is filled with action, outstanding humor and at times, some tough emotional moments. At the show I attended, everyone cried. They cried at some tragic moments and at some moments of great relief. At my side was a good buddy who is a successful business pro and strong family man. He & I both walked away with some deeper awareness of how we could be better fathers to our kids and to our brides.

So there are also some distinct learning moments that makes this film much more than just an escape from reality. How often do you have an opportunity to take someone to a movie that has trailing impact on your life? I'll suggest you get some Dads together to watch Courageous and sit down for a meal afterward to talk about what it showed you were doing well, or right - and what you could be working on to better build into your family and their future. Powerfully-told story with an outstanding cast.

I happen to know that some of the previous reviews are written by those affiliated with the film. No deception there (rolling eyes). C'mon people, this is typical, predictable, cheesy crap. Yes, it's preaching to the choir who will, unfortunately, accept sub-par story lines, below average acting, and marginal cinematography. This is NOT reality as previously mentioned. Truly broken people say and do things that aren't as "polished" here for the Christian viewing audience, and hence, it layers guilt on those of us who may not have it as together....but still seek redemption and restoration. Save your money and catch it on Netflix in a few months.

This is the second movie this year I've seen that frequently mentions God in addressing issues of faith, the first being The Grace Card. This one concerns four cops and one laborer being tested on their beliefs. At least one of them has an addiction and another is challenged before a possible promotion. And one more has a family tragedy. But, for the most part, they managed to survive and become even stronger from their decisions. Quite inspirational and occasionally funny too. And, yes, there are some heroic action scenes as well to keep things exciting. Really, I wasn't initially sure I'd really like this one especially when I was able to predict some scenes and lines but, overall, I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a good drama with a fine lesson.

When I first heard about Courageous, I was intrigued, not because I'm a Christian, but because as a member of a law enforcement family, I can relate to the plot. I wasn't disappointed. The film tells the story of five men and their families, and their decision to step up and face their responsibilities...no matter how hard they may be. Most of them were 'good enough' fathers before, but good enough isn't enough for a man of courage.

Courageous seemed less preachy to me than Fireproof was before it. Most of the acting was much better than I expected (Ken Bevel, in particular, really stepped it up this time). The film was very gritty, very true to life. There were times when I felt like I was watching my family in days past on the screen. Nothing about the reality of job or family was sugarcoated.

My main complaint would be with the plot structure; the story didn't have a clearly defined beginning, middle, and end. There were enough subplots, I thought, to fill two movies, though they all tied together nicely in the end.

Even my sister (who is not a Christian) agreed that she liked it. In the end, I walked away inspired and uplifted, not just by the film's message, but by it's presentation. Fireproof may have been a film I liked and walked away from, but Courageous is definitely one I'll be buying for my DVD collection. As of this film, I am a definite fan of the Kendrick brother's films, and I can't wait for more.

I have to admit that Courageous is similar to the other "Christian movies" (as they are commonly called). The acting isn't the best and it gets "preachy" in parts (which was fine for me, but will be uncomfortable or annoying for some non-believers), but the message is one every father (and mother, and child) should hear. There are some really funny, laugh till you cry, scenes and some very emotional, "get the Kleenex" scenes and even a few tense, action scenes. (some issues are to intense for young viewers, like death, drugs, gangs and fight scenes...hence the PG-13 rating) If you liked Fireproof, Facing the Giants and Flywheel, then you will love this. It's made by the same guys. Bottom line is that with all the junk out there now-a-days, this is a descent film, with a moral lesson, and unless you are anti family values and God, you will find a nugget of wisdom, a hope and a prayer for everyone, in My Humble Opinion! 7 stars from me Oct 2011